Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the kind of dish that turns “What’s for dinner?” into a very happy accident. Quick, packed with flavor, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have, this is the chicken dinner you’ll find yourself craving on repeat.
Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, trying to impress your partner with something that looks fancy but takes zero stress, or just need a fast, delicious option after a long day — these juicy little bites have your back.
Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal lineup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Oh friend, where do I begin? Let me count the ways:
- Fast and fuss-free: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to decide on takeout.
- Simple pantry staples: No weird or hard-to-find ingredients — just your everyday kitchen heroes doing their best work.
- Family-approved flavor: Mild, garlicky, buttery deliciousness that pleases even the tiniest food critics (trust me — mine ask for seconds).
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or tuck it into wraps and salads. It’s a blank canvas for all your dinner dreams.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for these glorious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – About 2 large ones, cut into 1-inch cubes
- All-purpose flour – For a light coating that crisps up beautifully
- Oregano, basil & paprika – These give the bites a warm, herby kick
- Salt and pepper – Always the classics
- Olive oil – For searing those bites to golden perfection
- Unsalted butter – Because butter is flavor
- Garlic – Freshly minced is a must for that real deal garlic magic
- Fresh parsley – A fresh pop of green to finish it all off
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ready? Let’s get cooking.
- Pat and Prep
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of browning — so don’t skip this step! Cut into 1-inch pieces and toss into a bowl. - Season Like You Mean It
Sprinkle your flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Give everything a good toss until the chicken is evenly coated in all that flavorful dust. - Sizzle Time
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot and melty, place the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes — this is how you get that golden crust! - Flip & Finish
Flip each piece and cook another 2 minutes. Then add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Let it all cook for 1 more minute, just until that garlicky butter coats everything in glory and the chicken is fully cooked. - Serve & Swoon
That’s it! Spoon your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or right into your mouth. No judgment.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Don’t crowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches so it gets crispy instead of steaming.
- Fresh garlic > jarred. Trust me, it makes all the difference. It’s the heart of the flavor!
- Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This dish actually came to life on one of those wild Monday nights — you know the kind. My kids were “starving” (ten minutes after snack time), I hadn’t planned a thing, and I had chicken defrosting on the counter. I tossed it with some herbs, garlic, and butter out of sheer desperation, and — boom — dinner magic. The kind of magic that made everyone quiet for five whole minutes. And if you have kids, you know that’s priceless.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and just as delicious. Just trim them well and follow the same steps.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It still crisps up nicely!
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They reheat well in a skillet or even the microwave for a quick lunch.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and seasoning mix ahead, but I recommend cooking them fresh for the best texture. Leftovers are still tasty though!
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. They’re the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero — even when you’re short on time or energy. And isn’t that the kind of recipe we all need more of?
Next time you’re staring into the fridge at 5 p.m. wondering what’s for dinner, let these buttery, garlicky bites come to the rescue.
Let me know how you served yours — I love seeing all the delicious twists you add. Until next time, happy cooking from my kitchen to yours 💛
Craving More Chicken Magic? Try These Reader Favorites Next!
If these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites hit the spot (and we bet they did!), you’re going to fall head over heels for some of our other mouthwatering chicken dishes. Whether you’re chasing bold flavors, craving cozy comfort, or need another quick dinner win, here are a few more recipes to add to your rotation:
- For another garlic-forward masterpiece, don’t miss the ultra-satisfying Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. It’s creamy, crispy, and packed with flavor in every bite.
- Looking to sweeten things up? These buttery, addictive Honey Butter Chicken bites are the perfect blend of sweet and savory and come together just as quickly.
- If you loved the speed and skillet-simplicity of today’s recipe, you’ll adore the cozy, one-pan vibes in our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. Total comfort food in under 30 minutes!
- Want to spice things up next time? Take your taste buds on a trip with these flavor-packed Spicy Thai Chicken Tenders — fiery, juicy, and impossible to put down.
Add these to your dinner game plan and you’ll always have a reliable, delicious answer to “What’s for dinner?”
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 20 mins
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, crispy, and loaded with flavor from fresh garlic, herbs, and butter. Ready in 20 minutes, this family-friendly dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick appetizer that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Pat chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine chicken, flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden.
Flip pieces and cook another 2 minutes.
Add remaining butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring to coat the chicken.
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for the best crispy edges.
Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier variation.
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
Serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or in wraps for easy meal ideas.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg